Is it Better to Have a Heavier or Lighter Pokémon? The Definitive Guide

The age-old question! Does size really matter when it comes to Pokémon? The short answer is… it depends on which Pokémon game we’re talking about, and what you’re trying to achieve. Generally, in games like Pokémon GO, the numerical weight stat itself has minimal direct impact on battle performance. But the size classifications (like XS, XL, XXL) can hint at underlying stat differences, or impact visual elements of the game. In core series games like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the weight of a Pokémon can affect certain moves. Let’s delve deeper into the fascinating world of Pokémon weights and sizes, separating fact from fiction, and providing you with the ultimate guide.

Size vs. Weight: Understanding the Nuances

It’s crucial to distinguish between the raw numerical weight stat of a Pokémon and the size classifications such as XS, XL, and XXL that are often derived from that weight (and height). In many Pokémon games, the weight stat itself doesn’t directly influence most battles. However, the size classifications can sometimes correlate with other attributes, such as Hit Points in Pokémon Go, or more so, be used for visual elements of the game.

Weight in the Core Series Games (e.g., Scarlet & Violet)

In the main series Pokémon games (like Scarlet and Violet), weight does have a niche but important role:

• Moves Affected by Weight: Certain moves, such as Heavy Slam or Low Kick, deal damage based on the weight difference between the user and the target. A heavier Pokémon using Heavy Slam against a lighter opponent will inflict significantly more damage. Conversely, a light Pokémon using Low Kick against a heavy Pokémon will be more effective.
• Aesthetic Scale Value: Pokemon Scarlet and Violet assigns a scale value (0-255) that influences their displayed size. However, this is primarily aesthetic and doesn’t affect gameplay mechanics.

Weight in Pokémon GO

The role of weight and size is a bit more nuanced:

• XL Candy: XL Candy is crucial for powering up Pokémon beyond level 40 in Pokémon GO. While not directly linked to the weight stat, the drive to maximize your Pokémon’s CP often involves seeking out high-IV Pokémon, and size variations might coincide with these, but it isn’t a direct link.
• Visual Differences: XXS and XXL Pokémon are visually distinct. They appear smaller or larger as Buddies, Overworld Partners, in PvP battles, and in AR mode. This purely visual element is a fun way to add collectibility to the game.
• Height and HP: Some evidence suggests that XL height Pokémon might have slightly higher HP at equal CP values, though this has not been confirmed.
• Attack Speed? Some speculate that weight is related to speed in battle, with XL Weight Pokémon moving more slowly, but this remains largely unconfirmed.
• Size Medals: Certain medals, like the Youngster medal, are earned by catching Pokémon of particular sizes.
• Weight does not effect Combat Power (CP) or Hit Points (HP): Size doesn’t matter in Pokémon GO, but Individual Values do. The team leader will offer clues about the overall strength of the Pokémon.

Why the Apparent Discrepancies?

You’ll often encounter reports of larger Pokémon being “stronger” or smaller Pokémon being “weaker.” This is largely anecdotal. In Pokemon GO, the important attributes are: Combat Power, Hit Points, and Individual Values. However, they sometimes can be related. For example, it’s easy to assume a correlation, as that the CP/HP is tied to the size, but the important attributes are the Individual Values. Weight is not the primary determinant of battle effectiveness.

The Importance of Individual Values (IVs) and Combat Power (CP)

Instead of obsessing over weight, focus on these critical stats:

• Individual Values (IVs): These hidden stats (Attack, Defense, Stamina) are fixed for each Pokémon and significantly impact its potential. Pokémon with high IVs will generally be stronger than those with low IVs.
• Combat Power (CP): CP is a calculated value that reflects a Pokémon’s overall strength. A higher CP generally means a stronger Pokémon.

Practical Implications: What Should You Do?

1. Don’t Prioritize Weight: Don’t make decisions based solely on a Pokémon’s weight.
2. Focus on IVs and CP: Prioritize Pokémon with high IVs and CP.
3. Embrace Visual Variety: Enjoy the visual differences of XXS and XXL Pokémon for their novelty.
4. XL Candy is Key: Use XL Candy to power up your best Pokémon beyond level 40.
5. Use Appraisals Wisely: Use the appraisal system to assess a Pokémon’s IVs.

Ultimately, the ideal Pokémon is one with high IVs, a strong moveset, and strategic value for your team. Weight is a secondary consideration at best.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the role of weight in the Pokémon world:

1. What battle-related stat does XS and XL Pokémon weight even affect, if any, at all?

In Pokémon GO, XS and XL weight doesn’t directly affect battle stats. However, anecdotal evidence suggests a possible correlation between XL height and slightly higher HP.

2. Do XXL Pokémon make a difference?

XXL Pokémon are visually distinct, appearing larger as Buddies and in battles. This purely aesthetic difference adds to the collectibility of the game.

3. Does weight affect Pokémon?

In the core series games, weight affects moves like Heavy Slam and Low Kick. In Scarlet and Violet, each Pokémon has a visual scale that affects the appearance of the Pokémon.

4. What is the LEAST Damage You Can Deal in Pokemon?

The least amount of damage you can deal is 1 HP. The damage is rounded to the nearest integer.

5. What does heaviest Pokémon mean?

Heavier Pokémon often have high HP, making them powerful, but it could indicate that they have special abilities.

6. Are XS Pokémon good or bad?

There is nothing particularly special about an extra small pokémon. Typically, smaller pokémon appear to start with lower CP values.

7. Are XL or XS Pokémon better?

Pokémon who have a XL height usually gave more HP than normal and XS ones (at equal CP), but its not particularly clear.

8. What are the benefits of XL Pokémon?

XL Pokémon have access to XL Candy. XL Candy is a resource which allows you to level your Pokémon even further than before in Pokémon Go.

9. Are shiny Pokémon stronger?

No, Shiny Pokémon are not stronger or weaker than normal Pokémon. It’s purely cosmetic.

10. Should I keep 0 star Pokémon?

Because it will take most players a long time before they can max out Pokemon Storage, it’s best to just release the 0-stars and keep the 1/2/3/4-stars.

11. Should you evolve a 3 star Pokémon?

Yes. If a Pokemon GO trainer receives a Pokemon that appraises with three red bars and a red three-star stamp, they’ll want to keep the Pokemon. This particular appraisal means the Pokemon has perfect IVs, and its stat growth will be maximized as it powers up and evolves.

12. Which is better HP or CP?

Each Pokémon has Combat Power (CP) and Hit Points (HP). All Pokémon start out with full HP at capture, but HP can be depleted during battle. Each individual Pokémon is assigned CP at capture, which indicates how well that particular Pokémon will perform in battle.

13. Why are Pokémon weights so off?

There are sometimes reasons given for why a Pokémon is heavier or lighter than it appears to be, but oftentimes, it’s simply a case of the numbers not matching up with the way it looks.

14. Does the weight of a Pokémon pack matter?

Whether your theory holds true and you can actually determine if a booster has a hit in it. Unfortunately it holds true.

15. Did Pokemon go remove XL XS?

In the most recent update all pokemon had their xs/xl status removed from the weight category. We can now search for xs/xl pokemon but only as it pertains to height, which up to this point was far more rare.

The Bottom Line

While weight and size add some fun visual elements to games like Pokémon GO and affect certain moves in core series games, they shouldn’t be your primary focus when building a strong team. Prioritize Individual Values (IVs), Combat Power (CP), and strategic movesets. Size has a small role, but the Individual Values have a larger impact. To learn more about the educational aspects of gaming, visit the Games Learning Society website.

Remember, catching them all is about strategy and skill, not just size! Happy gaming!